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Recovering Castro makes TV appearance

A video released Monday depicted Fidel Castro sharing a bedside meeting with Hugo Chávez. The ailing Cuban president, who stirred international speculation after ceding provisional power to his brother in July, declared his recovery "far from a lost battle."

- AP

| International Herald Tribune | Prensa Latina |

Sinn Féin backs policing in N. Ireland

Irish republican party Sinn Féin gave a surprise vote of confidence for Northern Ireland's police force this week, despite recent reports of police collusion in sectarian crimes. Elections for a power-sharing assembly in Belfast are slated for March.

- CF

| Belfast Telegraph | BBC |

Gloves are off in French presidential race

French candidates Ségolène Royal and Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy sparred last week over allegations that Sarkozy has misused his power to engage in unfair campaign tactics. Some critics charge that his government post poses a conflict of interest with his presidential bid.

- CN

| BBC | CBS News |